2023 Alumni Award Winners

Eastern Nazarene College seeks, in each member of its community, to enlighten the mind, to enhance the quality of personality, to enkindle a never-ending search for truth, and to enable each, out of Christian love and concern, to serve others creatively and responsibly. Our distinguished alumni carry these values with them through their successful careers. These awards, presented in front of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and family, are an important tradition, and the highest honor we bestow upon our alumni.

Linda Russell (’78) will be awarded the Alumna of the Year Award. This award is given each year to individuals who, over many years, have lived exemplary lives through career achievement, support of Eastern Nazarene College, and service to the Kingdom of God. Russell has embodied these ideals through her 17 years at the Meridian School District in Idaho after graduating from ENC. In 1995, Russell took a break from teaching to volunteer in Moscow, Russia with the Nazarenes in the Volunteer Service ministry, where she would remain for 25 years.

Jonni Nicole Parsons (’18), this year’s Emerging Leader Award recipient, is an influencer who began her business Sunday Morning Marketing from her ENC dorm room. Since its inception, Parsons has helped numerous companies with their marketing strategy. She’s also garnered a large following on her social media due to her faith-based posts. In 2022, she published Ignited: A Fresh Approach to Getting–and Staying–on Fire for God, a book where she illustrates how to stay and remain on fire for God inspired by her walk with God.

Dr. Art Seamans (’52) is this year’s Lifetime Service Award recipient. This award is presented to an alumnus who graduated over 50 years ago and has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to God and their Alma Mater through service to Christ and adherence to ENC ideals. Dr. Seamans has taught for over 20 years in Nazarene higher education at Northwest Nazarene University, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and Point Loma Nazarene University, where he holds a Ph.D. in English Language and Literature. Dr. Seamans has also authored several poetry books as well as theology books and used both genres to explore his experiences with blindness, as well as share his faith. He also leads multiple literary retreats throughout the year, including the Tamarack Writer’s Conference.

Please join the College as we celebrate the 2023 Alumni Award winners during the Homecoming Award Dinner at 6:30 p.m. EST on Friday, Sept. 29 at the Marriott in Quincy, MA. The event cannot accommodate any walk-ins so please register by Sept. 20.

To nominate an alumnus for a 2024 award, click here.